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Transport of Animals Rules, 1978

Transport of Animals Rules, 1978

TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS RULES, 1978

CHAPTER I

Rule - 1. Short Title.

These rules may be called the Transport of Animals, Rules, 1978.

Rule - 2. Definitions.

In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a)      qualified veterinary surgeon means one who holds a diploma or a degree of a recognized veterinary college.

(b)      "Schedule" means a schedule appended to these rules.

CHAPTER II TRANSPORT OF DOGS AND CATS

Rule - 3.

Rules 4 to 14 shall apply to the transport of dogs and cats or all breeds whether by rail, road, inland, waterway, sea or air.

Rule - 4.

(a)      A valid health certificate by a qualified Veterinary Surgeon to the effect that the dogs and cats are in a fit condition to travel by a rail, road, inland, waterway, sea or air and are not showing any sign of infectious or contagious disease including rabies, shall accompany each consignment and the certificate shall be in the form specified in Schedule-A.

(b)      In the absence of such a certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for transport.

Rule - 5.

No dog or cat in an advanced stage of pregnancy shall be transported.

Rule - 6.

(a)      Dogs or cats to be transported in the same container shall be of the same species and breed.

(b)      Unweaned puppies of kittens shall not be transported with adult dogs or cats other than their dams.

(c)      No female dog or cat in season (estrus) shall be transported with any male.

Rule - 7.

(a)      Any dog or cat reported to be vicious or exhibiting a vicious disposition shall be transported individually in a cage, muzzled and labeled to give warning to the handlers.

(b)      in extreme cases, the dogs and cats shall be administered with sedative drugs by a qualified Veterinary surgeon.

Rule - 8.

(1)     When dogs or cats are to be transported for a long distances:

(a)      they shall be fed and given water at least two hours prior to their transport and shall not be packed for transport if they are hungry or thirsty.

(b)      they should be exercised as late as possible before dispatch.

(c)      they shall be given adequate water for drinking every four hours in summer or every six hours during winter.

(d)      they shall be fed once in twelve hours in the case of adult dogs or cats and they shall be fed once in four hours in the case of puppies and kittens in accordance with the instructions of the consignors if any.

(e)      adequate arrangements shall be made for their care and management during the journey.

(2)     When the dogs or cats are to be transported by rail involving a journey of more than six hours, an attendant shall accompany the dogs or cats to supply them with food and water on the way and the attendant shall have access to the dogs or cats for this purpose at all stations and no dog or cat shall be exposed to the direct blast of air during such journey.

Rule - 9.

Where dogs or cats are to be transported for short distance by road in a public vehicle, the following precautions are to be taken namely:-

(a)      they shall be put in a cage and the cage containing the dogs or cats shall not be put on the roof of the vehicle but shall be put inside the vehicle preferably near the end of the vehicle.

(b)      at least one attendant shall be present at all times during transit who shall ensure that proper transit conditions are observed and shall also replenish food and water whenever necessary.

Rule - 10. Where dogs or cats are to be transported by air.

(a)      the cages shall be properly cleaned and disinfected before the dogs or cats are put in the cages.

(b)      Sufficient paddy straw or saw dust or paper cuttings shall be provided for cats in the cages as resting material.

(c)      For international transport, the dogs or cats shall be kept in pressurized compartment with regulated temperature.

Rule - 11.

The size and type or crates for transport of dogs and cats shall confirm as clearly as may be to the size and type specified in Schedule-B and Schedule-C respectively.

Rule - 12.

All containers of dogs or cats shall be clearly labeled showing the names address and telephone number (if any) of the consignor.

Rule - 13.

The consignee shall be informed about the train or transport arrival or flight number and its time of arrival in advance.

Rule - 14.

Consignment of dogs or cats to be transported by rail or road shall be booked by the next passenger or main train or bus and should not be detained after accepting the consignment for booking.

CHAPTER III TRANSPORT OF MONKEYS

Rule - 15.

Rules 16 to 23 shall apply to the transport of all types of monkeys from the trapping area to the nearest rail-head.

Rule - 16.

(a)      A valid health certificate by a qualified veterinary surgeon to the effect that the monkeys are in a fit condition to travel from the trapping area to the nearest unit-head and not showing any sign of infections or contagious disease shall accompany each consignment.

(b)      in the absence of such a certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for transport.

(c)      the certificate shall be in a form specified in Schedule-D.

Rule - 17.

(1)     Monkeys from one trapping area shall not be allowed to mix with monkeys from any other trapping area for preventing the dangers of cross-infection.

(2)     The time in transit from trapping area to the nearest rail-head shall be as short as possible and factors causing stress to monkeys shall be reduced to the minimum.

(3)     If the travel time is longer than six hours provision shall be made to feed and to give water to the monkeys en route.

(4)     During transit, precautions shall be taken to protect the monkeys from extreme weather conditions and monkeys that die en route shall be removed at the earliest available opportunity.

Rule - 18.

Monkeys that are not completely weaned, that is, under 1.8 kilogram in weight, shall not be transported except when specifically permitted by the Central Government.

Rule - 19.

(a)      Pregnant and nursing monkeys shall not be transport except when specifically permitted by the central Government.

(b)      Pregnant and nursing monkeys as well as monkeys weighing more than 5 kilograms shall be transported in compartmented cages.

Rule - 20.

All monkeys in the same cage shall be of the same species and of approximately the same weight and size.

Rule - 21.

Monkeys captured within their natural habitat shall be placed in new, sterilized or thoroughly cleaned cages and subsequent transfer, if any, shall also be new, disinfected or thoroughly cleaned cages.

Rule - 22.

Monkeys shall be transported from trapping area to the nearest rail-head by the fastest means of transport available and the monkeys shall not be left un-attended at any time during the journey.

Rule - 23.

(1)     (a) Monkeys shall be transported in suitable wooden or bamboo cages, so constructed as not to allow the escape of the monkeys but permit sufficient passage of air ventilation.

(b) No nails, metallic projections or sharp edges shall be exposed on the exterior or in the interior of the cages.

(c) Each cage shall be equipped with appropriate water and feed receptacles which are leak proof and capable of being cleaned and refilled during transit.

(2)     the floor of the cages shall be made of bamboo reapers and the space between each reaper shall range between 20 mm and 30 mm.

(3)     To facilitate carriage of these cages, provision may be made for rope loops at the four top ends.

(4)     The weight of any one loaded cage shall not exceed 45 kilograms.

(5)     The following two sizes of cages shall be used.

(a)      910 x 760 x 510 mm - to contain not more than twelve monkeys, weighing between 1.8 and 3.00 kilograms each or ten monkeys weighing between 3.1 and 5.0 kilograms, each

(b)      710 x 710 x 510 mm - to contain not more than ten monkeys weighing between 1.8 and 3.00 kilograms each or eight monkeys weighing between 3.1 and 5.00 kilograms each.

Provided that wooden cages as specified in Schedule-F to these rules may also be used for carrying monkeys from the trapping area to the nearest rail-head.

(6)     The construction details of two types of cages shall be given in Schedule-E.

Rule - 24.

Rules 25 to 32 shall apply to transport of monkeys from a rail-head to another rail-head or from a rail-head to nearest airport.

Rule - 25.

(a)      Loading and unloading shall be carried out quickly and efficiently.

(b)      Cages shall be stored in such a manner that ventilation is adequate and the monkeys are not exposed to draught direct heat and cold.

(c)      Monkeys found dead shall be removed as quickly as possible for suitable disposal.

Rule - 26.

The transport cages shall be in accordance with specifications given in rule 28.

Rule - 27.

(1)     Due provision shall be made by the sender for a sufficient supply of food and water for the journey.

(2)     In case the journey is over six hours an attendant shall accompany the monkeys to supply them food, water, and such other things, on route and he shall have access to the monkeys for feeding, giving water and attention at all stations en route.

(3)     the food and water containers shall be checked at least every six hours and refilled, if necessary.

(4)     Monkeys shall not be disturbed during the right hours.

Rule - 28.

Not more than one cage shall be placed over the other and gunny packing shall be placed between two cages, when one is placed over the other.

Rule - 29.

Monkeys shall be brought to the airport sufficiently early.

Rule - 30.

Monkeys shall be provided with food and water immediately before loading on the aircraft.

Rule - 31.

(a)      The cages shall be clearly labeled showing the name, address and telephone number (if any) of the consignor and the consignee in bold red letters.

(b)      the consignee shall be informed about the train in which the consignment of monkeys is being sent and its arrival time in advance.

(c)      the consignment of monkeys to be transported shall be booked by the next passenger or main train and should not be detained after consignment is accepted for booking.

Rule - 32.

(a)      A valid health certificate by a qualified Veterinary Surgeon to the effect that the monkeys are in a fit condition to travel from the nearest rail-head to another rail-head or from a rail-head to the nearest airport and are not showing any signs of infectious or contagious disease shall accompany each consignment.

(b)      in the absence of such a certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for transport.

(c)      the certificate shall be in a form specified in Schedule-D.

Rule - 33.

Rules 34 to 45 shall apply in relation to the transport of monkeys by air.

Rule - 34.

The time in transit shall be as short as possible and factors causing stress to monkeys shall be reduced to the minimum.

Rule - 35.

Monkeys that are not completely weaned, that is, under 1.8 kilograms in weight, shall not be transported except when specifically permitted by the Central Government.

Rule - 36.

Pregnant and nursing monkeys shall not be transported except when specifically permitted by the Central Government. Pregnant and nursing monkeys and monkeys weighing over 5 kilograms shall be transported in specially designed individual cages.

Rule - 37.

All monkeys in the same cage shall be of the same species and of approximately the same weight and size.

Rule - 38.

(1)     In view of the dangers of infection, only monkeys of the same species shall be transported in the same cabin or compartment of the aircraft.

(2)     apparently sick or disabled monkeys exhibiting external injuries or infested with parasites shall not be transported.

(3)     Transport of other species of animals, birds, fish food stuff or poisonous materials, such as pesticides and insecticides, in the same cabin or compartment shall not be permitted.

Rule - 39.

(1)     At no time during transit shall the monkeys be left unattended when carried in a freighter aircraft.

(2)     At least one attendant shall be present at all times when the aircraft is on the ground.

Rule - 40.

(1)     Monkeys shall be transported in suitable wooden cages, so constructed as not to allow the escape of the monkeys and shall allow sufficient passage of air for ventilation; no nails, metallic projections or sharp edges shall be exposed in the interior or on the exterior of such cages. Each cage shall be equipped with water and food receptacles which shall be leak -proof and be capable of being cleaned and refilled during transit. A suitable absorbent material such show dust shall be kept in the dropping trays.

(2)     the weight of any one loaded cage shall not exceed 45 kilograms in any case.

(3)     The following two sizes of cages shall be used:

(a)      460 x 460 x 460 mm - to contain not more than ten monkeys weighing from 1.8 to 3.0 kilograms each or four monkeys weighing from 3.1 to 5.0 kilograms each and.

(b)      760 x 530 x 460 mm - to contain not more than ten monkeys weighing from 1.8 to 3.0 kilograms each or eight monkeys weighing from 3.1 to 5.0 kilograms each.

(4)     the construction details of the two types of cages shall be as given in Schedule-F.

(5)     The construction details of the two types of cages used for the transport of pregnant and nursing monkeys shall be given in Schedule-G.

Rule - 41.

(a)      The cages shall be clearly labeled showing the name, address and telephones number (if any) of the consignor and the consignee in bold red letters.

(b)      the consignee shall be informed in advance about the flight number of the freighter aircraft in which the consignment of monkeys is being sent and its arrival time.

(c)      the consignment of monkeys to be transported shall be booked by the next flight of the freighter aircraft and should not be detained after the consignment accepted for booking.

Rule - 42.

(1)     A valid health certificate by a qualified veterinary surgeon to the effect that the monkeys are fit to travel by air and are not showing any signs of infectious or contagious disease shall accompany each consignment of monkeys.

(2)     in the absence of such a certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for shipment.

(3)     the form of certificate under sub-rule (1) is as given in Schedule-D.

Rule - 43.

(1)     The air shall be changed not less than twelve times per hour and draughts shall be avoided and there shall be no dead pockets of air.

(2)     Except when the monkeys are being fed and given water; they shall travel in semi darkness to make them quieter and less inclined to fight and thus give them better opportunities of resting.

Rule - 44.

The food and water containers shall be checked at every stop and refilled; if necessary, and a sufficient stock of food shall be available on the aircraft and of likely stopping places.

Note: About 85 grams of food per monkey is required daily. Suitable foods are dry cereal grins or gram. It is recommended that whole gram made into biscuits or wheat meal bread should be fed. A minimum of 140 ml. of water shall be allowed for each monkey per day.

Rule - 45.

An empty cage of the usual dimensions with its sides covered except 50mm at the top to allow for ventilation shall be provided in the freighter aircraft for housing the monkeys which fall sick or are injured during the journey.

CHAPTER IV TRANSPORT OF CATTLE

Rule - 46.

Rules 47 to 56 shall apply to the transport by rail of cows, bulls, bullocks, buffaloes, yaks and calves.

(Hereinafter in these rules referred to as cattle).

Rule - 47.

(a)      A valid certificate by a qualified veterinary surgeon to the effect that the cattle are in a fit condition to travel by rail or road and are not suffering from any infectious or contagious or parasitic diseases and that they have been vaccinated against rinderpest and any other infectious or contagious or parasitic diseases, shall accompany each consignment.

(b)      in the absence of such a certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for transport.

(c)      the certificate shall be in the form specified in Schedule-E.

Rule - 48.

Veterinary first-aid equipment shall accompany all batches of cattle.

Rule - 49.

(a)      Each consignment shall bear a label showing in bold red letters the name, address and telephone number (if any) of the consignor and consignee, the number and types of cattle being transported and quantity of rations and food provided.

(b)      the consignee shall be informed about the train or vehicle in which the consignment of cattle is being sent and its arrival time in advance.

(c)      the consignment of cattle shall be booked by the next train or vehicle and shall not be detained after the consignment is accepted for booking.

Rule - 50.

The average space provided per cattle in Railway wagon or vehicle shall not be less than two square meters.

Rule - 51.

(a)      Suitable rope and platforms should be used for loading cattle from vehicles.

(b)      In case of railway wagon the dropped door of the wagon may be used as a ramp when loading or unloading is done to the platform.

Rule - 52.

Cattle shall be loaded after they are properly fed and given water.

Rule - 53.

Cattle in advanced stage of pregnancy shall not be mixed with young cattle in order to avoid stampede during transportation.

Rule - 54.

(1)     Watering arrangements on route shall be made and sufficient quantities of water shall be carried for emergency.

(2)     Sufficient feed and fodder with adequate reserve shall be carried to last during the journey.

(3)     Adequate ventilation shall be ensured.

Rule - 55.

When cattle is to be transported by rail.

(a)      An ordinary goods wagon shall carry not more than ten adult cattle or fifteen calves on broad gauge, not more than six adult cattle or ten calves on meter gauge, or not more than four adult cattle or six calves on narrow gauge.

(b)      every wagon carrying cattle shall have at least one attendant.

(c)      cattle shall be loaded parallel to the rails, facing each other.

(d)      rations for padding, such as straw, shall be placed on the floor to avoid injury if a cattle lies down and this shall not be less than 6 cams thick.

(e)      rations for the journey shall be carried in the middle of the wagon.

(f)       to provide adequate ventilation, upper door of one side of the wagon shall be kept open properly fixed and the upper door of the wagon shall

(g)      Cattle wagons should be attached in the middle of the train.

(h)     cooking shall not be allowed in the wagons nor hurricane lamps without chimneys.

(i)       two breast bars shall be provided on each side of the wagon, one at height of 60 to 80 cms and the other at 100 to 110 cm.

(j)       Cattle-in-milk shall be milked at least twice a day and the calves shall be given sufficient quantity of milk to drink.

(k)      As far as possible, cattle may be moved during the nights only.

(l)       during day time, if possible, they should be unloaded, fed, given water and rested and if in milk, milking shall be carried out.

Rule - 56.

When cattle are to be transported by goods vehicle the following precautions are to be taken namely:

(a)      specially fitted goods vehicles with a special type of fail board and padding around the sides should be used.

(b)      Ordinary goods vehicles shall be provided with anti-slipping material, such as coir matting or wooden board on the floor and the superstructure, if low, should be raised.

(c)      no goods vehicle shall carry more than six cattle.

(d)      each goods vehicle shall be provided with one attendant.

(e)      while transporting, the cattle, the goods vehicle shall not be loaded with any other merchandise; and

(f)       To prevent cattle being frightened or injured, they should preferably, face the engine.

CHAPTER V TRANSPORT OF EQUINES

Rule - 57.

Rules 57 to 63 shall apply to the transport by rail, road, or sea or horses, mules and donkeys (hereinafter in these rules referred to as 'equines')

Rule - 58.

(a)      A valid certificate by a qualified veterinary surgeon to the effect that the equines are in a fit condition to travel by rail; road or sea and are not suffering from any infectious or contagious disease or diseases shall accompany each consignment.

(b)      in the absence of such a certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for transport.

(c)      the certificates shall be in a form specified in Schedule-1.

Rule - 59.

(a)      Each consignment shall bear a label showing in bold red letters the name address and telephone number (if any) of the consignor and consignee the number and type of equines being transported and quantity of rations and food provided.

(b)      the consignee shall be informed in advance about the train or vehicle or ship in which the consignment of equines is being sent and its arrival time.

(c)      the consignment of equines shall be booked by the next train or vehicle or ship and shall be accepted for booking.

Rule - 60.

(a)      Pregnant and young equines shall not be mixed with other animals.

(b)      Different species of equines shall be kept separately.

(c)      Equines shall be loaded after being fed and given water adequately, watering arrangements shall be made enroute and sufficient food carried to last during the journey.

(d)      Veterinary first-aid equipment shall accompany all batches of equines.

(e)      Adequate ventilation shall be ensured.

(f)       Suitable ramps and platforms, improvised where not available, shall be used for loading and unloading equines.

Rule - 61.

For transport of equines by rail, the following precautions shall be taken:

(a)      Equines shall be transported by passenger or mixed trains only;

(b)      Ordinary goods wagon when used for transportation shall carry not more than eight to ten horses or ten mules or ten donkeys on broad gauge and not more than six horses or eight donkeys on meter-gauge;

(c)      in extreme hot, water shall be sprinkled over the wagon, containing equines by the railway authorities to bring down temperature. Ice slabs in specially made containers may be placed inside the wagon, if recommended by a qualified veterinary surgeon;

(d)      Every wagon shall have two attendants if the equines are more than two in number;

(e)      Equines shall be loaded parallel to the rail, facing each other;

(f)       material for padding, such as paddy, straw, shall be placed on the floor to avoid injury if an animal lies down and this shall not be less than 6 cm thick;

(g)      to provide adequate ventilation, upper door of the side of the wagon shall be kept open and properly fixed and the upper door of the wagon shall have wire gauge closely welded mesh arrangements to prevent burning cinders from the engines entering the wagon and leading to fire break out;

(h)     Two breast bars shall be provided on each side of the wagon, one at a height of 50 to 80 cm and the other at 110 cm.

Rule - 62.

For the transport of equines by goods-vehicles, the following precautions shall be taken, namely:

(a)      Specially fitted vehicles with a special type of tai-board and padding around the sides shall be used;

(b)      ordinary goods vehicles shall be provided with ant slipping material on the floor and the super structure, if low, should be raised;

(c)      bamboo poles of at least 8 cm diameter between each animal and two stout batons at the back shall be provided to prevent the animal from falling;

(d)      to prevent horses from being frightened or injured their heads should face left away from the passing traffic;

(e)      each vehicle shall not carry more than four to six equines;

(f)       each vehicle shall be provided with one attendant;

(g)      these vehicles shall be driven at a speed not more than 35 kilometers per hour;

Rule - 63.

For the transport of equines by sea the following precautions shall be taken, namely:

(a)      horses may normally be accommodated in single stalls and mules in pens, each pen holding four to five mules;

(b)      ample ventilation shall be ensured by keeping portholes and providing permanent air trunks or electric blowers on all decks, and exhaust fans shall be installed to blow out foul air;

(c)      all standings shall be athwart the ship with heads facing inwards;

(d)      to avoid distress specially during hot weather, the ship may go underway immediately after embarking and disembarking shall be done as early as possible after anchoring.

(e)      colts and fillies shall be kept on the exposed decks;

(f)       A pharmacy and spare stall for five per cent of equines shall be available;

(g)      Passage between two rows of pens shall not be less than 1.5 meters.

CHAPTER-VI TRANSPORT OF SHEEP AND GOATS

Rule - 64.

Rules 65 to 75 shall apply to the transport of sheep and goats by rail or road involving journeys of more than six hours.

Rule - 65.

(a)      A valid health certificate by a qualified veterinary surgeon to the effect that the sheep and goats are in a fit condition to travel by rail or road and are not suffering from infectious or contagious or parasitic disease shall accompany each consignment.

(b)      in the absence of such a certificate, the carrier shall refuse to accept the consignment for transport.

(c)      the certificate shall be in a form specified in Schedule-1

Rule - 66.

(a)      Each consignment shall bear a label showing in bold red letters the name, address and telephone number (if any) of the consignor and consignee the number and type of sheep or goats being transported and quality of rations and food provided.

(b)      the consignee shall be informed in advance about the train or vehicle in which the consignment of sheep or goats are being sent and its arrival time.

(c)      the consignment of sheep or goats shall be booked by the next train or vehicle and shall not be detained after the consignment is accepted for booking.

Rule - 67.

(a)      First-aid equipment shall accompany the sheep or goats in transit.

(b)      Suitable ramps shall be provided for loading and unloading the sheep or goats.

(c)      In the case of a railway wagon, when the loading or unloading is done on the platform the dropped door of the wagon shall be used as a ramp.

Rule - 68.

Sheep and goats shall be transported separately; but if the lots are small special partition shall be provided to separate them.

Rule - 69.

Rams and male young stock shall not be mixed with female stock in the same compartment.

Rule - 70.

Sufficient food and fodder shall be carried to last during the journey and watering facility shall be provided at regular intervals.

Rule - 71.

Material for padding, such as straw, shall be placed on the floor to avoid injury if an animal lies down, and this shall be not less than 5 cm. thick

Rule - 72.

The animals shall not be fettered unless there is a risk of their jumping out and their legs shall not be tied down.

Rule - 73.

The space required for a goat shall be the same as that for a wool sheep and the approximate space required for a sheep in a goods vehicle or a railway wagon shall be as unders:-

Approximate weight of animal in Kilogram Space required in Square metres Wooled Shorn

Not more than 20 0.18 0.16

More than 20 but not more than 25 0.20 0.18

More than 25 but not more than 30 0.23 0.22

More than 30 0.28 0.26